W.Va. man accused of taking child held for trial

Timothy Adam White, 23, formerly of Morgantown, W.Va., is escorted from the office of District Judge Joshua Kanalis in Centerville by a constable. - Jim McNutt / Observer-Reporter
Order a Print

A West Virginia man accused of kidnapping a 2-year-old girl from that state earlier this year and bringing her to Centerville before stealing a van and leading police on a chase that ended in Allegheny County was ordered held for court Monday on charges filed by state police.

Timothy Adam White, 23, formerly of Morgantown, W.Va., was ordered held for trial by District Judge Joshua Kanalis on charges of interference with custody of children, concealing whereabouts of a child, theft, carrying a firearm without a license, endangering the welfare of children and driving under the influence of marijuana. A charge of false imprisonment was withdrawn.

State police had received a report Feb. 8 of the abduction of a girl from Preston County, W.Va. Police were able to track the alleged abductor, identified as White, through his cellphone to Richeyville. White’s vehicle was later found broken down on Interstate 79 near Lone Pine. Police learned he had received rides from several people to get to Richeyville.

After a good Samaritan gave White and the girl a ride, White left the girl behind and stole a van owned by a cable company. After the van was tracked to Toll 43, White led police on a chase to Route 51 in Pleasant Hills, where he eventually was captured.

Earlier this month, White pleaded guilty in Allegheny County on charges related to the chase. He was sentenced to time served and placed on probation for three years.

White, who had been held in Allegheny County Jail, is now in Washington County jail on $250,000 bond. He has waived extradition and will be returned later to West Virginia to face kidnapping charges.